Serving Consumers Who Have Been Burned By An  Undisclosed Vehicle History

Depending on the age of the vehicle and the number of miles, a used car can be a sound purchase. Unfortunately, many unscrupulous auto dealers may not fully disclose the vehicle’s history. As a result, many individuals unknowingly purchase a car that has been in a major accident, that has an inaccurate odometer, or was used as a rental car. Some people learn that a vehicle’s value was grossly overstated when they try to trade it in or sell it. Any person who has sustained financial damage as a result of these tactics should seek out the counsel of skilled, knowledgeable lawyers.

Serving Consumers Throughout Connecticut and Western Massachusetts

At Consumer Law Group, LLC, we have a lengthy history of achieving results for consumers who have fallen victim to all types of deceitful, fraudulent acts. Since 1997, our Hartford-area attorneys have handled undisclosed vehicle history claims and related lawsuits for people across Connecticut.

Dedicated To Exposing Fraud And Recovering Compensation

One disturbing trend is for dealers to present automobiles as “certified pre-owned” (CPO) vehicles when, in fact, they have incurred severed severe structural damage that was not properly repaired. As a result, a buyer who believes he or she has a rigorously inspected vehicle that is essentially “like new” may actually find that is worth many thousands less than the purchase price.

Led by widely respected consumer rights lawyer Daniel S. Blinn, our legal team is adept at assessing whether you have a valid claim. Over our firm’s history, we have taken on all types of claims, including:

• Actions to compel a dealer to take a fraudulently marketed used vehicle back and refund the purchase price
• Diminished-value claims enabling recovery of the difference between the purchase price and a car’s real value based on its actual vehicle history
• Actions arising from misrepresentation of a certified pre-owned car
• Actions against dealers who engage in financing scams such as accepting a deposit and refusing to refund it when the law requires them to do so

Most state and federal consumer protection laws allow for the recovery of attorneys’ fees and other damages upon a successful claim. Therefore, in most cases, our clients do not pay attorneys’ fees unless we recover compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Certified Used Cars With Undisclosed History

When you buy a certified used vehicle, you expect accurate disclosures from the dealership about the history of the vehicle and its current condition. Learning the basics about disclosure rules can help you determine what steps to take next.

What makes a certified used vehicle different from other used vehicles?

A certified used vehicle is one that typically meets higher standards than the average used vehicle. The dealership should have inspected the vehicle closely and made any necessary repairs to refurbish the vehicle. Certified used cars typically come with a manufacturer’s warranty and an inspection report. The dealership should check all major systems, as well as common issues associated with specific models, such as suspension issues after the extended use of large SUVs and trucks.

The vehicle should be in the exact condition disclosed in the disclosure paperwork. You should be able to trust that the vehicle’s main systems are still in a safe condition and that the vehicle meets strict standards for certification established by the manufacturer, not just the dealership. In most cases, refurbishing work should utilize genuine Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts.

When does a dealership need to disclose prior damage?

Dealerships should provide thorough and accurate information about a vehicle’s history. If prior collisions caused structural issues or made safety-related repairs necessary, new buyers have a right to know. Dealerships should generally report any damage with repair costs exceeding 3% of the suggested retail price for the vehicle when it was new.

Reporting is mandatory if a vehicle:

• Has been in a major crash
• Sustained structural damage
• Required significant repairs
• Experienced a flood
• Was previously declared a total loss or has a salvage/rebuilt title
• Sustained any damage on the lot

Failing to disclose the vehicle’s history could lead to a buyer overpaying for a vehicle with limited resale value or compromised systems.

What is dealership odometer fraud, and how can I spot it?

Odometer fraud occurs when a salesperson or owner intentionally manipulates the odometer that tracks a vehicle’s miles traveled. The process may involve manipulating the vehicle’s computer system or replacing part of the dashboard.

If the vehicle has a mechanical display, look for gaps in the display or crooked numbers. Scratches around the edge of the dashboard cluster can warn of its replacement. Checking a third-party vehicle report can help validate the current reading on the odometer. Signs of wear and tear that seem to exceed the reported mileage can also be warning signs of odometer fraud. An inspection by a trusted mechanic could also identify signs of odometer fraud.

Contact Consumer Law Group, LLC

Call 860-924-7556 or reach out to us via email for an assessment of your potential claim.